By Staff
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
On Jan. 15, we as a nation take time to remember and celebrate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King spoke of dreams for tomorrow, but he also spoke of action today. Why not take this day off and make it a day on? Join others in making it a day of service. Dr. King fought for freedom, equality and dignity for all races and you can too. Volunteer by yourself, with a friend or with your kids. Reach out to a neighbor, co-worker or a stranger on the street. Coretta Scott King said "The greatest gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others." Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
ADULTS
Michigan Gateway Community Foundation's youth advisory group consists of high school student leaders who gain an understanding of philanthropy through the practice and experience of investing foundation monies in their communities. As Youth Advisory Coordinator you would facilitate and guide meetings one Sunday a month for two hours in Buchanan. An additional eight hours a month of coordinating work should be expected, but can be done on your schedule. Any adult, including a college student or retiree, who has a desire to lead high school age youth, a knowledge of the community, a passion for helping others and a familiarity with foundation work is eligible. Training will be provided. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
The Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph brings people and art together. Volunteer as a greeter and receptionist once a week Monday through Friday for a three-hour shift between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Enter the world of art. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
Give the gift of life, give blood.
BERRIEN COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS blood drives:
Monday, Jan. 15 – Elks Lodge #541, 518 Broad St. St. Joseph – noon to 5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 24 – Jordon Nursing Home, 9934 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman – 12:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 26 – Community Hospital Watervliet, 400 Medical Park Drive – noon to 5:45 p.m.
For a complete listing visit www.berrienredcross.org
MICHIGAN COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER blood drives:
Monday, Jan. 15 – Orchards Mall, 1800 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 17 and 18, F.C. Reed Middle School, 10254 California Road, Bridgman – 2 p.m. to 8 p.m
For a complete listing visit www.miblood.org
ADULTS AND YOUTH
National Project Homeless Connect is happening nationwide on Jan. 25. The goal is to collect data on who is homeless, what their needs are and where they live. Data will also be collected on families and individuals who are at risk of becoming homeless. This is an urban and a rural problem so activities will be happening throughout Berrien County. This day will also serve as a test run for a new approach by seeing if we as a community can create a one-stop place for families and individuals to receive services to help prevent and end homelessness. On Jan. 25 opportunities are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout Berrien County. 100 volunteers are sought to work in two-hour shifts. As a volunteer you can be greeter, gather information, provide childcare or help serve food. Join the cause to end homeless in 10 years! Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
FAMILIES
Do you have young children? Would you like to teach them about volunteering, but aren't sure how? The Family Volunteer Coordinator can help you figure out a fun activity for the whole family. One idea is to make cards for seniors or service men and women. One family who contacted us recently colored placemats and took them to a local senior center. During the meal, dad played some music on his guitar and the mom and child talked with seniors who enjoyed their placemats and conversations with the 4-year-old. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect.
YOUTH
It may feel like spring, but it is still winter and that means ice festivals. The Greater South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce is having theirs on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ten volunteers are needed to assist with ice clean up, handing out information, with the amateur chili cook-off. Keep your heart warm on a winter day and have fun. Contact the Volunteer Center to connect with this and other festivals throughout the area.
To connect with any of these volunteer opportunities, call the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in Niles at (269) 683-5464.